Secession and the unfounded fears of Obasanjo
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Former president Olusegun Obasanjo recently theorized that in the face of the intractable problems currently beleaguering Nigeria(ns) coupled with the fears of looming dangers ahead, the idea of having a conversation on the necessity of elongating or severing the "forced marriage" of all groups within the union called Nigeria cannot be raised, let alone had.

The former president theorized that having such a robust and candid conversation which may most likely lead to the eventual disintegration and annulment of the Nigerian Union can only ensure the EXTERMINATION OF MINORITY GROUPS in Nigeria. That is his fear and his theory.

With due respect to President Obasanjo, I beg to differ with his theory and I make bold to humbly assert that his fear is unfounded for the following reasons:

1. Fear of extermination of the minority groups cannot be a reason why all the groups cannot come together and negotiate their membership of this country. Indeed all the minority groups can use such forum to reinforce their own allegiances to any of the major tribes or even to Nigeria. That discussion which most probably will lead to a free and fair referendum can be used to further reinforce the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria. For example, the United Kingdom through its Referendum Act of 1975 conducted a referendum which resulted in a reinforcement of their membership of the European Union which happened in 1973. The same United Kingdom later had another referendum called Brexit which resulted to their exiting the European Union in 2020.

2. This country (Nigeria) was not formed ab initio out of fear of extermination of minority groups. The basis of the amalgamation and formation of this country was purely for the economic benefits of the colonial masters. Now that the colonial masters are gone, it is reasonable that the "federating units" so to say, should come together to negotiate their union. That is logical. Especially now that members of the federating units are asking that such dialogue be held. Let the citizens of Nigeria decide for themselves whether they want to be Nigerians or not.

3. President Obasanjo is not from any minority groups and has not been appointed by any minority group to speak for them. These minority groups should be allowed to speak for themselves through referendum. It is not fair for a person from one of the major tribes to force his views on the minorities. Let the minorities at least have their say even if some persons in the major tribes would like to continue to have their way.

4. Given the current massacre being orchestrated by the kith and kin of President Mohammadu Buhari who is from a minority tribe, the fears of Obasanjo is grossly unfounded. The reality today is that all groups (major and minor) are now living at the mercy of a minority group. With the level of pains and anguish that this minority group has caused all groups within the space of six years that President Buhari has been in power, it is not unreasonable to think that whatever group that takes power from President Buhari tomorrow may seek a revenge and the cycle of cries of injustice and woes continues .

I deeply appreciate President Obasanjo for his past and current efforts to keep this country (Nigeria) ONE, however he cannot deny that his efforts and those of his collaborators have failed and will continue to fail unless this discussion is had and referendum conducted.

Let the people speak and decide for themselves.

Wrriten by Lawrence C. Nnoli
Lawrence is a lawyer and a Public Interest Advocate. He can be reached via lawrence.nnoli@gmail.com

Who told Obasanjo and co that "minority tribes "cannot exist on their own? Were they not existing before Nigeria?. For example, the minority tribes of the south south can negotiate ,and decide to go on their own.All these fears is just to protect their wickedly gotten assets in the Niger delta.

A public interest secessionist